Ndindi Nyoro: The lone voice taking on government

There is an infamous saying in politics about dogs and leashes: that every dog on the political stage has an owner barking on command. In this view, there are no lone wolves in politics.

Yet, this year, a supposed lone wolf has emerged from the ruling party— shedding its wolf’s skin and, now bleating like a sheep. It claims to be just that: a sheep. Its name is Ndindi Nyoro, hailed by some Kenyans’ new messiah, unafraid to take on Ceaser and his unjust taxes.

For much of the year, Nyoro, the Kiharu /Member of Parliament known for transforming his backyard into a mini-urban hub of cabro-paved streets, has been hurling political projectiles at the very government he helped form, sharply criticising almost every major economic decision it had made.

His lips have gone dry warning about the country’s ballooning debt, the proposed sale of the government’s stake in Safaricom, securitisation, and the creation of the National Infrastructure Fund, a move he argues has little to do with development and everything to do with the 2027 elections.

While he remains active on the floor of the House, albeit less so than during his tenure as chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, he always finds time to speak from his office at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. One thing that immediately stands out when you step into the modest space is the books he reads.

Behind his chair is a glass-fronted cabinet displaying some of his titles, including Why Nations Fail, The Singapore Story and The Wealth and Poverty of Nations. The books speak as loudly as his agenda: to liberate Kenyans from what he sees as economic sabotage.

“You should read these books,” he says. Whenever he calls a press conference in his office, Nyoro pauses to plead his case, explaining why he does what he does and why it matters.

“Yes, we have Parliament and we do what we should, but I also take it upon myself to speak directly to Kenyans so that, whatever decision the government makes, we can give our input and ensure the best idea prevails,” he says.

Within the precincts of Parliament, there is a designated media area that other legislators use to push their agendas. Nyoro avoids this platform.

“The House we sit in is not as democratic as we would wish,” he says. “When you see me as a solitary voice, I hope you understand that not many of my colleagues can do what I am doing.”

He says he is crying in the wilderness, like John the Baptist, acting in good faith. “When the country makes the right decision, all of us benefit. But if we make sub optimal choices, especially on the economic front, it does not matter where you sit or how comfortable you are — you will end up on the losing side,” he insists.

As self-righteous as it may sound, Nyoro has cast himself as a sort of Robin Hood of economic knowledge, breaking down the jargon of government officials into terms ordinary Kenyans can understand.

His message is simple: the country is being mortgaged.

One government official whose policies Nyoro has repeatedly challenged is National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. The former opposition stalwart, who joined the government through the handshake deal, now seems to have switched roles with Nyoro: as Nyoro criticises the government, Mbadi vehemently defends its policies.

During a press briefing in his office to receive a report from the National Students Budget Forum, CS Mbadi, an accountant by profession, did not mince words in responding to Nyoro’s criticisms. Using some of the sharpest language, he dismissed what he called Nyoro’s tantrums.

“Sometimes you get so tired of explaining to people who should understand. If you claim to have studied economics, then you should reason better. I have no problem explaining to other Kenyans a thousand times, but to someone who claims to understand, please, give us a break. I cannot spend all my time responding to your ignorance. It is sickening,” the CS said.

Mbadi’s frustration followed Nyoro’s earlier press conference, where the MP claimed the government was selling its 15 per cent stake in Safaricom to Vodacom “for a song.” The deal, valued at Sh244 billion, is the first tranche of the government’s divestiture and privatisation strategy aimed at capitalising the National Infrastructure Fund.

Nyoro argued that the government should have sold its more than six million Safaricom shares for at least Sh45 each, instead of Sh34. He added that the proceeds could have been higher if the shares were offered to Kenyans through a public listing.

“The sale of the government’s stake in Safaricom has been underwhelming. It is as if those representing the government sided with the buyers,” Nyoro said, noting that in 2021, Safaricom shares were trading at Sh45. “You cannot sell a stake of a company in a block with no premium. Safaricom is Kenya’s most valuable asset.”

CS Mbadi, however, dismissed Nyoro’s claims.

“Those of us who have studied capital markets know prices are dictated by signals,” he explained, adding that the 2021 rise to Sh45 was driven by Safaricom’s announcement to expand into Ethiopia, which excited investors.

Despite his appeal to many Kenyans, Nyoro is not without blemish. Critics point out his reluctance to acknowledge that he helped bring the current administration to power in 2022, making him partly responsible for the country’s economic challenges.

He insists judging past narratives is for Kenyans, not him. “I am conflicted, being involved in the sales and marketing of that agenda,” he says, tittering.